Abare to be honored at Gus Craig Award dinner

The Salvation Army Chairman, Gary Bruce, informed Historic City News local reporters that, among his many other distinguished roles, Flagler College President, Dr. William T. Abare, Jr., will be honored as this year’s recipient of the Gus Craig Award.

In the continuing tradition of recognizing local community leaders for their outstanding service, The Salvation Army of St. Johns will be presenting the 13th Annual Gus Craig Award Dinner on Thursday, September 16th at Flagler College.

The event, hosted by The Advisory Council of The Salvation Army of St. Johns will be held in the Ponce De Leon Dining Room starting with a social at 6:30 p.m. and the program at 7:00 p.m.

The keynote speaker for the event will be Dr. Michael V. Gannon, Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of History of the University of Florida, an outstanding military historian and accomplished author of several books on the history of Florida.

Presenting the Gus Craig Award will be Dr. William Proctor, Chancellor of Flagler College and a member of The Salvation Army Advisory Council. Bruce said that he will serve as emcee.

Several St. Augustine firms are serving as sponsors for the event that is expected to host 200 attendees, according to Bruce’s estimates. Tickets are $75.00 per person and are available by calling Diane at The Salvation Army at 904-824-6880, extension 204.

Proceeds from the event will support the “Feed the Hungry” program. Bruce said, “This vital program provides groceries and meals to those in need in our community.”

ABOUT DR. ABARE

William T. Abare, Jr., Ed.D., began his career with Flagler College in 1971 and became President in 2001. President Abare served as executive vice president and Dean of Academic Affairs for 12 years. President Abare earned his bachelor’s degree from Mercer University, his master’s degree from the University of North Florida and his doctorate from Nova Southeastern University.

Currently, Abare serves as Vice-Chairman of the Council of Presidents of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF) and is Chairman of the ICUF Legislative Committee. He’s past president of the board of directors of the Florida Association of Colleges and Universities (FACU) and a member of the Council of Independent Colleges and the National Association of Colleges and Universities.

Dr. Abare served on the Higher Education Funding Advisory Council and on the K-20 Accountability Task Force for the Florida Department of Education. President Abare is Vice Chairman of the Flagler Health Care System, parent organization of Flagler Hospital; serves on the board of directors for St. Johns County Welfare Federation, the Glenmoor Life Care Community, the St. Augustine Foundation, Historic St. Augustine Research Institute, City of St. Augustine 450th Committee and the Civil Rights Museum Committee. He is a current member and past president of the Rotary Club of St. Augustine.

Abare is a member of Memorial Presbyterian Church, an elder and former member of the church’s Board of Trustees. In 2004, President Abare received the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award from the University of North Florida. President Abare and his wife, Susan, have three grown children—Katherine, William, and Justin—and five grandchildren—Julia, Will, Mason, Max, and Ila.